Choosing shrubs known for their ornamental value is a smart and stylish way to bring structure, colour and interest to outdoor spaces. At King & Co, we stock a selection of shrubs, from neat, low-maintenance evergreens to seasonal showstoppers with vibrant foliage or flowers. These versatile plants can be used to frame paths, soften hard edges or add height and texture without overwhelming the space. By choosing the right varieties, you can enjoy year-round appeal in even the most limited garden settings. Here, we’ve highlighted our favourite ornamental shrubs for small gardens!

1. Dogwood (Cornus)

Dogwoods are known for their vibrant winter stems and striking seasonal foliage. One standout variety is Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’. This eye-catching shrub features green leaves with creamy-white edges in summer and bright red stems in winter. It’s a great choice for adding strong contrast to bare garden spaces during colder months.

2. Photinia

Photinia is known for its glossy evergreen foliage and colourful new growth. It’s an excellent choice for hedging or as a standout specimen in a mixed border. One of our favourite varieties for small gardens is Photinia ‘Carré Rouge’. This compact, ornamental shrub features deep green leaves and vibrant red new shoots. Its red foliage is richer and longer-lasting than that of many other Photinia varieties. It also grows slower and stays smaller than other Photinia varieties, making it ideal for small gardens, containers or low hedges. It’s a great choice for adding bold colour and evergreen structure without overwhelming the space.

3. Cotinus

Cotinus, or smoke bush, is a deciduous shrub with bold foliage and strong form. It gets its name from the hazy, smoke-like flower plumes that appear in summer. These soft, clouded blooms add a unique texture to the garden.

One standout variety is ‘Golden Lady’. It has rounded leaves that open warm orange, turn golden yellow in summer and glow rich orange again in autumn. By mid-summer, pink, feathery plumes rise above the foliage, adding a soft, smoky effect. It’s a great choice for bringing colour, structure and contrast to borders, mixed plantings or as a striking standalone feature.

4. Nandina

Nandina, commonly known as heavenly bamboo, is a tough, evergreen shrub loved for its colourful, ever-changing foliage and low maintenance nature.

‘Gulf Stream’ in particular, is a compact variety that brings vibrant colour and a neat, structured form. In spring, fresh growth emerges in shades of bronze and orange. By summer, the foliage deepens to green, then transforms into rich reds and golds in autumn (lasting well into winter). In summer, it also produces delicate white flowers, sometimes followed by clusters of bright red berries. With its dense, rounded shape and fine-textured leaves, it’s perfect for borders, containers or low hedging. Its small size and tidy habit make it ideal for compact spaces, adding year-round interest without taking over the garden.

5. Viburnum tinus

Viburnum tinus is a reliable, evergreen shrub known for its year-round structure and winter blooms. It’s easy to grow, low-maintenance, and ideal for bringing colour to the garden during the colder months.

‘Eve Price’ is a popular compact variety, perfect for smaller spaces. It features glossy, dark green leaves and a dense, rounded habit. From late winter into early spring, it produces clusters of pale pink buds that open into white flowers, brightening up the garden when little else is in bloom. These are often followed by small dark berries, which attract birds and other wildlife.